‘Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth’: Activities from across the Commonwealth during Commonwealth Day 2026

Commonwealth Day 2026 was marked on 9 March. CPA Branches in Commonwealth Parliaments worldwide hosted various activities to commemorate the occasion, bringing together Parliamentarians, young leaders and community members. They highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth’, by celebrating unity, diversity and the shared values and principles of the Commonwealth.  

You can read more about these activities below.

Rwanda joined 56 nations in marking Commonwealth Day 2026, celebrated annually on 9th March. At the Parliament of Rwanda, an event was held to celebrate youth entrepreneurship and skills development bringing together students, young entrepreneurs and government representatives for an interactive session.

Hon. Donatha Gihana, MP, Chairperson of the CPA Rwanda Branch Executive said:

"As Rwanda continues to play a leading role in the Commonwealth, we must learn more about the organisation, the opportunities available to youth, and how best to tap into them.”

Thomas Mwesigye, Rwanda’s current national youth delegate to the Commonwealth and representative of the Rwanda National Youth Council, reiterated the country’s active engagement with the Commonwealth Youth Programme and said:

"Over the past two years, we have connected with youth across the Commonwealth, attending forums in Samoa and facilitating access to networks such as the Commonwealth Students Network, Peace Network, Climate Network, and Youth in Work Network. The government of Rwanda has supported youth to attend these platforms, and we encourage everyone here to actively participate. When you are at the table, you can negotiate and make an impact.”

The CPA Isle of Man Branch hosted a Commonwealth Day 2026 dinner in Douglas on 6 March 2026 to mark the annual celebration of the Commonwealth. The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg was the guest speaker at the dinner where he spoke about the role of the CPA in supporting Parliaments and Parliamentarians.

The dinner was also attended by the Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle of Man, His Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Lorimer, KCB DSO MBE; the President of Tynwald, Hon. Laurence Skelly, OBE MLC; the Speaker of the House of Keys and Chair of the Isle of Man CPA Branch Executive Committee, Hon. Juan Watterson SHK; and Members of the Isle of Man Legislature and the Tynwald Youth Select Committee.

At the Tynwald buildings, an event was held to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 with Hon. Ann Corlett, MHK, a member of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Steering Committee, and women Members of the Isle of Man Legislature speaking about their experiences as Parliamentarians. Students representing Ballakermeen, Castle Rushen, King William’s College, Ramsey Grammar, Queen Elizabeth II and UCM came together in Tynwald Chamber to put forward Motions on issues such as gender differences in healthcare and legal protections for victims of violence.

The Isle of Man currently has 10 elected Members of the House of Keys (42%) out of a total of 24 Members. The Legislative Council has 5 women Members (45%) out of a total of 11 Members.

To mark Commonwealth Day 2026, the New South Wales Parliament raised the flags of all 56 Commonwealth nations outside Parliament House in Sydney. The Governor of New South Wales, H.E Margaret Beazley AC KC, delivered the King’s Commonwealth Day message, emphasising the importance of democratic participation and international cooperation at a special event at Parliament House attended by MPs, young people and members of the Commonwealth Day Council.

The event was hosted by the Joint CPA New South Wales Branch Presidents - Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC, President of the Legislative Council and Hon. Greg Piper, MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Above: Commonwealth Day 2026 at the New South Wales Parliament in Sydney, Australia.

In commemoration of Commonwealth Day 2026, the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago hosted a Commonwealth Day High Commissioners' Youth Forum and Exhibition on 9 March 2026 at The Red House.

Young people had the opportunity to ask questions of the Commonwealth High Commissioners representing India, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Canada, The Bahamas, Australia and Ghana about their work and the importance of the Commonwealth as well as highlighting the importance of creating transformative and equitable opportunities for young people.

The Joint CPA Trinidad and Tobago Branch Presidents, Senator Hon. Wade Mark, President of the Senate and Hon. Jagdeo Singh, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives welcomed participants to the Parliament event which also included an exhibition of young people’s recent work and a social media video competition.

Above: On Commonwealth Day 2026, young people take part in a Q&A with Commonwealth High Commissioners at the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.

To mark Commonwealth Day 2026, young people from the Falkland Islands took their seats in the Chamber of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly to question Members of the Legislature on the issues that matter to them. This year's Youth Parliament saw twelve oral questions put to MLAs covering topics including teacher recruitment and retention, housing affordability, oil spill contingency planning, coastal erosion, food security, community policing, internet access and international trade.

The Governor of the Falklands, His Excellency Colin Martin-Reynolds CMG delivered The King's Commonwealth Day Message, and the special sitting was opened by the Deputy Speaker. Members of the Legislative Assembly also attended the ceremonial flag raising to mark Commonwealth Day 2026 at Victory Green.

MLA Jack Ford, Chair of the Legislative Assembly, said:

"Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to celebrate the ties that connect us to friends and partners around the world. The Falkland Islands are small, but through the Commonwealth we are part of something much larger – a community built on shared values and mutual respect."

Above: Young people in the Falkland Islands take part in a Youth Parliament to mark Commonwealth Day.

The Fiji Parliament hosted a special session to commemorate Commonwealth Day 2026 attended by the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Filimone Jitoko, MPs and parliamentary staff.

The Speaker said:

“The strength of the Commonwealth lies in bringing nations together in pursuit of democracy, development and a shared future. The 2026 Commonwealth Day theme resonates with the aspirations of our Parliament and the people we serve.”

Above: The Speaker, Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff took part in a special photo session for Commonwealth Day 2026.

The Legislative Assembly of Alberta marked Commonwealth Day 2026, celebrated on the second Monday in March, with the CPA Alberta Branch President, Hon. Ric McIver, MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly reading a celebratory statement in the Chamber at the start of the day’s business.

The Speaker highlighted the yearly celebration of the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth and its role in sharing the values of democracy, peace and sustainability.

Above: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Hon. Ric McIver, marks Commonwealth Day 2026 in the Chamber at the start of proceedings. Watch his statement by clicking here.

The Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab in Pakistan, Hon. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, MLA released a message to mark Commonwealth Day 2026 saying:

“The Provincial Assembly of the Punjab carries a proud parliamentary heritage. The Commonwealth is built upon the enduring principles of democracy, the rule of law and cooperation among nations. This year’s theme highlights the importance of collective action in expanding opportunity, strengthening institutions and ensuring sustainable growth for our peoples. Through parliamentary exchanges, regional conferences and legislative collaboration within the CPA Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regions, we continue to strengthen democratic institutions and promote meaningful parliamentary diplomacy.”

Above: To mark Commonwealth Day 2026, the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab highlighted the ground-breaking CPA Joint Asia and South-East Asia Regional Conference 2025. Click here to watch the video.

On Commonwealth Day 2026, Parliamentarians from both Houses, High Commissioners and parliamentary staff gathered at the Parliament of Canada for a celebration hosted by the Chair of the CPA Canadian Branch, Hon. Alexandra Mendès, MP, Assistant Speaker of the House of Commons.

Joint CPA Canada Federal Branch President, Hon. Francis Scarpaleggia, MP, Speaker of the House of Commons addressed the gathering and spoke of Canada’s place in a global community committed to democracy, diversity and opportunity.

As part of the festivities, Hon. Catherine Fife, MPP from the Ontario Legislative Assembly was highlighted as the first Canadian to be elected Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians in October 2025.

Above: Commonwealth Day celebrations at the Parliament of Canada.

On Commonwealth Day 2026, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Hon. Christopher de Souza, MP met online with the Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Mr Jarvis Matiya. Discussions focused on the Deputy Speaker’s role as one of the newest Regional Representatives on the CPA Executive Committee and the recent delegation of Singapore MPs to the annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados last October.

The Deputy Speaker conveyed Singapore Parliament’s support of CPA’s goals of promoting parliamentary democracy and good governance, and to leading the Singapore Parliament delegation at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference and workshops, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, later this year.

Above: The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Hon. Christopher de Souza, MP (left) met online with the CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Mr Jarvis Matiya (right) on Commonwealth Day 2026.

Ghana’s CPA Branch organised a youth forum and national debate competition under the theme of ‘Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth’ to mark Commonwealth Day 2026 engaging young leaders in conversations about democracy and governance. The competition, which was held in the Parliament of Ghana, featured students from six universities, namely:

• Central University
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
• University for Development Studies
• University of Business and Integrated Development Studies
• University of Media Arts and Communication
• University of Ghana.

The debate highlighted the role of young people in fostering collaboration and shared prosperity across the Commonwealth and allowed participants to discuss the importance of Commonwealth collaboration in addressing global challenges. A team from the University of Media Arts and Communication were crowned as the winners of this year’s national debate.

Above: The Parliament of Ghana held a youth debate competition to mark Commonwealth Day 2026. Watch the debate by clicking here.

On 9 March 2026, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in South Africa joined in recognising Commonwealth Day and the 2026 theme of ‘Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth’. The day was marked with the display of the CPA and Commonwealth flags at the Legislature building and of Commonwealth books in the Chamber foyer as well as the playing of the Commonwealth Anthem on the Legislature’s TV screens.

The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, as well as the Deputy Speaker and Members representing the main political parties (Inkatha Freedom Party, Democratic Alliance, African National Congress and uMkhonto weSizwe Party) shared messages of support for Commonwealth Day via social media to promote civic awareness, youth engagement and international solidarity.

The India Minister of State for External Affairs, Hon. Kirtivardhan Singh, MP represented the Parliament of India at the Commonwealth Day 2026 celebrations held in London, UK. The Minister has a series of meetings with the UK Government’s Ministers, Hon. Seema Malhotra, MP, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific and Hon. Chris Elmore, MP, UK Minister for Multilateral. He also attended the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting at Lancaster House and met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey.

The Cayman Islands Parliament celebrated Commonwealth Day 2026 with the annual hosting of its youth event, 19th Youth Parliament Debate, where young leaders tackled pressing national issues. Held on Commonwealth Day, this annual initiative gives young Caymanians the opportunity to experience the workings of Parliament first-hand. Participants prepare for months, present and debate motions, engage in parliamentary procedure, and develop valuable skills in leadership, governance, research and public speaking.

The 2026 debate explored topics including mental health support and youth rehabilitation in the Cayman Islands and the establishment of a National Job Criteria Joint Committee.

The Youth Parliament programme is organised in partnership with the Parliament of the Cayman Islands and the CPA Cayman Islands Branch, supporting the next generation of leaders and strengthening understanding of parliamentary democracy. The event concluded with a reception and awards ceremony attended by the Speaker and Members of Parliament.

Above: The Youth Parliament debate takes place in the Cayman Islands Parliament - click here to watch the debate on YouTube.

The UK Parliament held a flag raising ceremony of the Commonwealth flag at Portcullis House hosted by the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP. The ceremony was attended by representatives from across the Commonwealth including High Commissioners, Parliamentarians at the 74th Westminster Seminar and CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg.

Above: The UK Speaker welcomes guests to the Commonwealth flag raising ceremony at the UK Parliament as the CPA Secretary-General meets a delegation from the National Assembly of Zambia also at the event. Images credit: CPA Secretariat. 

The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in Brisbane held an event for Commonwealth Day 2026 at Queensland’s Parliament House on 10 March.

The event was held in the presence of the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Hon. Dr Jeannette Young, AC along with over 300 guests who enjoyed performances from Australia and around the Commonwealth. Representatives from the Queensland State Government, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Army along with Queensland Police Service, Police Corrective Services, Commonwealth Consular Representatives, community organisations and many schools attended. The event also began with a parade of the flags of the Commonwealth led by the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums.

Above: The Governor of Queensland attended the 2026 Commonwealth Day event at Parliament House. Images credit: The Victoria League Brisbane for Commonwealth Friendship/Australian India News.

St Helena celebrated Commonwealth Day 2026 on 9 March with assemblies at St Helena Secondary School as well as a flag-raising ceremony held at Anne’s Place in Jamestown. The Speaker of the St Helena Legislative Council and Branch President, Hon. Maureen Thompson, delivered a welcoming speech highlighting that St Helena’s future prosperity relies on international collaboration and sustainable development.

The Governor of St Helena, H.E Nigel Phillips, CBE read the message from the Head of the Commonwealth, HM King Charles III and the Chief Minister, Hon. Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, MBE, read a message from the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

To commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Commonwealth and ongoing aspirations, guest speakers Jonathan Passaportis of St Helena Tourism, Youth Entrepreneur Mr Louis Youde and Zac Bargo of the St Helena Youth Parliament were invited to speak at the ceremony.

The Deputy Speaker of the St Helena Legislative Council, Connie Johnson, read an extract from ‘The House of the Commonwealth’ at the UK Parliament’s Flag-Raising Ceremony while attending the 74th Westminster Seminar.

Above: The Commonwealth Flag is raised in St Helena by the Speaker of the Legislative Council. Image credit: St Helena Government.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated annually on the second Monday of March.

Read about the Commonwealth Day events in London and messages released for the day by clicking here.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

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